Methods and system for providing multiple video content streams over different communication networks

ABSTRACT

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, receiving video content streams from multiple source mobile devices and identifying that the video content streams pertain to a same event. Additional aspects may include identifying end mobile devices for the video content streams and determining a portion of the end mobile devices are coupled to one communication network and another communication network. Further aspects can include identifying a predicted traffic pattern on the first communication network based on the multiple video content streams pertaining to the same event and that the portion of the multiple end mobile devices are communicatively coupled to the first communication network. Additional aspects may include transmitting a portion of the video content streams across the first communication network and transmitting another portion of the video content streams across the second communication network according to the predicted traffic pattern. Other embodiments are disclosed.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/251,727 filed on Jan. 18, 2019, which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 15/250,361 (now U.S. Pat. No. 10,231,159)filed on Aug. 29, 2016. The contents of each of the foregoing are herebyincorporated by reference into this application as if set forth hereinin full.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The subject disclosure relates to methods and systems for providingmultiple video content streams over different communication networks.

BACKGROUND

The modern Internet includes broadband, high speed networks that cancarry large amounts of video content across networks. The benefits ofthe high speed networks include allowing individuals to providestreaming live video content from mobile devices to others via thenetworks. In addition, edge networks such as satellite networks,cellular networks, and WiFi networks have grown in capacity to uploadand download large amounts of video content streamed from, and accessedby, mobile devices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are notnecessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIGS. 1-3, and FIGS. 4A-4B depict illustrative embodiments of systemsfor providing multiple video content streams over differentcommunication networks;

FIG. 5 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a method used in portionsof the system described in FIGS. 1-3 and FIGS. 4A-4B;

FIG. 6 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication system thatmanages the providing of multiple video content streams over differentcommunication networks;

FIG. 7 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a web portal forinteracting with the communication systems for providing multiple videocontent streams over different communication networks;

FIG. 8 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication device; and

FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic representation of a machine in the form of acomputer system within which a set of instructions, when executed, maycause the machine to perform any one or more of the methods describedherein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject disclosure describes, among other things, illustrativeembodiments for providing multiple video content streams over differentcommunication networks. Embodiment can include receiving a video contentstream from each of multiple source mobile devices resulting in multiplevideo content streams. Further embodiments can include identifying thatthe multiple video content streams pertain to a same event andidentifying an end mobile device for each of the multiple video contentstreams resulting in multiple end mobile devices. Additional embodimentscan include determining a portion of the multiple end mobile devices arecommunicatively coupled to a first wireless communication network and toa second wireless communication network. Also, embodiments can includeidentifying a predicted traffic pattern on the first wirelesscommunication network based on the multiple video content streamspertaining to the same event and that the portion of the multiple endmobile devices are communicatively coupled to the first wirelesscommunication network. Further embodiments can include transmitting afirst portion of the multiple video content streams across the firstwireless communication network and transmitting a second portion of themultiple video content streams across the second wireless communicationnetwork according to the predicted traffic pattern. Other embodimentsare described in the subject disclosure.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include a devicecomprising a processing system including a processor and a memory thatstores executable instructions that, when executed by the processingsystem, facilitate performance of operations. The operations can includereceiving a video content stream from each multiple source mobiledevices resulting in multiple video content streams. Further operationscan include identifying an end mobile device for each of the multiplevideo content streams resulting in multiple end mobile devices.Additional operations can include determining a portion of the multipleend mobile devices are communicatively coupled to a first wirelesscommunication network and to a second wireless communication network.Also, the operations can include detecting a capacity of the firstwireless communication network and transmitting a first portion of themultiple video content streams across the first wireless communicationnetwork and transmitting a second portion of the multiple video contentstreams across the second wireless communication network responsive todetermining that the capacity of the first wireless communicationnetwork is above a predetermined threshold.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include a machine-readablestorage medium, comprising executable instructions that, when executedby a processing system including a processor, facilitate performance ofoperations. The operations can include receiving a video content streamfrom each of multiple source mobile devices resulting in multiple videocontent streams. Further operations can include identifying that themultiple video content streams pertain to a same event and identifyingan end mobile device for each of the multiple video content streamsresulting in multiple end mobile devices. Additional operations caninclude determining a portion of the multiple end mobile devices arecommunicatively coupled to a first wireless communication network and toa second wireless communication network. Also, operations can includeidentifying a predicted traffic pattern on the first wirelesscommunication network based on the multiple video content streamspertaining to the same event and that the portion of the multiple endmobile devices are communicatively coupled to the first wirelesscommunication network. Further operations can include transmitting afirst portion of the multiple video content streams across the firstwireless communication network and transmitting a second portion of themultiple of video content streams across the second wirelesscommunication network according to the predicted traffic pattern.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include a method. Themethod can include receiving, by a processing system including aprocessor, a video content stream from each of multiple source mobiledevices resulting in multiple video content streams. Further, the methodcan include identifying, by the processing system, an end mobile devicefor each of the multiple video content streams resulting in multiple endmobile devices. In addition, the method can include determining, by theprocessing system, a portion of the multiple end mobile devices arecommunicatively coupled to a first wireless communication network and toa second wireless communication network. Also, the method can includeidentifying, by the processing system, a time of day, a first locationof the first wireless communication network and a second location of thesecond wireless communication network. Further, the method can includetransmitting, by the processing system, a first portion of the multiplevideo content streams across the first wireless communication networkaccording to the time of day and the first location and transmitting asecond portion of the multiple video content streams across the secondwireless communication network according to the time of day and thesecond location.

FIG. 1 depicts an illustrative embodiment of system 100 for providingmultiple video content streams over different communication networks. Inone or more embodiments, system 100 includes users 110, 114, 118attending a concert 102 of musicians 104, 106, 108. The users 110, 114,118 can capture video content of the concert 102 with their mobiledevices 112, 116, 120. Further, the mobile devices 112, 116, 120 cantransmit the captured video content as real-time live video contentstreams to the mobile device 136, 142 of users 134, 140 over differentcommunication networks 126, 128. The mobile devices 112, 116, 120 canalso be called source mobile devices. Further, the mobile devices 136,142 can also be called end mobile devices.

In one or more embodiments, mobile devices 112, 116, 120 arecommunicatively coupled to a cellular network 126 via a radio tower 122of a base station across an edge wireless communication network. Theedge wireless communication network can be comprised of network devicessuch as the mobile devices 112, 116, 120, radio tower 122 and the basestation controller 150. Further, mobile devices 136, 142 arecommunicatively coupled to a radio tower 130 of another base stationacross another edge wireless communication network. This other edgewireless communication network can be comprised of network devices suchas the mobile devices 136, 142, radio tower 130, and base stationcontroller 152. The radio towers 122, 130 of the base stations can becoupled over the cellular network 126. In other embodiments, a satellitetransceiver 124 is communicatively coupled to the radio tower 122 (viabase station controller 150 or some other network device) and asatellite transceiver 132 is communicatively coupled to the radio tower130 (via base station controller 153 or some other network device).Further, the satellite transceivers 124, 132 can be coupled over asatellite network 128.

In one or more embodiments, the radio tower 122 can receive a videocontent stream from each of the mobile devices 112, 116, 120. A basestation controller 150 can determine whether to transmit the multiplevideo content streams to the mobile devices 136, 142, over the cellularnetwork 126 or over the satellite network 128. Transmission of the videocontent streams by the base station controller, or under the directionof a network device communicatively coupled to the base stationcontroller, can be responsive to video content requests from the mobiledevices 136, 142 by their users 134, 140. In some embodiments, all or aportion of the video content streams can be transmitted over thecellular network 126 and received by another base station controller 152that can direct the video content steams to radio tower 130 to be sentto the mobile devices 136, 142. In other embodiments, all or a portionof the video content streams can be transmitted over the satellitenetwork 128 and received by satellite transceiver 132, and another basestation controller 152 can direct the video content steams to radiotower 130 to be sent to the mobile devices 136, 142.

In one or more embodiments, users 134, 140 can be at a residentialpremises 138, 144. In other embodiments, users 134, 140 can be arereceiving on their mobile devices 136, 142 the multiple video contentstreams from the mobile devices 112, 116, 120 while in transit or inmotion. The mobile devices 112, 116, 120, 136, 142 can be smartphones,tablet computers, laptop computers, wearable devices or other portablecommunication devices.

FIG. 2 depicts an illustrative embodiment of system 200 for providingmultiple video content streams over different communication networks. Inone or more embodiments, user 118 is capturing video content of theconcert 102 and transmitting the captured video content to the radiotower 122. Further, base station controller directs (or receivesinstructions from a network device to direct) the received video contentstream to be transmitted over the satellite network 128 via satellitetransceiver 124. Radio tower 122 captures data including identificationinformation from many different mobile devices communicatively coupledto its cellular network. Further, radio tower 122 captures dataincluding identification information from the mobile devices for acellular site of a cellular network.

In one or more embodiments, user 118 may change location whiletransmitting the captured video content stream such that user 118 andmobile device 120 are located in another cellular site with a radiotower 206 and a base station controller 204. Management entities of thecellular network, including base station controller 150, base stationcontroller 204, and other network devices, detect that mobile device 120is moving or has moved to a new cellular site during transmission of thecaptured video content stream. Further, the management entities of thecellular network, including base station controller 150, base stationcontroller 204, and other network devices hand over control of themobile device 120 from radio tower 122 to radio tower 206. Handing overcontrol can include radio tower 206 exchanging data (i.e. reception andtransmission) from the mobile device 120 and base station controller 204managing the reception of data from, and any transmission of data to,mobile device 120.

Thus, once control of mobile devices 120 is handed over to the basestation controller 204, radio tower 206 then receives the captured videocontent stream from the mobile device 120. Base station controller 204can control (or is directed to control by a network device) thetransmission of the captured video content stream. Further, the basestation controller 150, or network device managing base stationcontroller 150, can provide base station controller 204, or a networkdevice managing base station controller 204, with transmissioninformation regarding the captured video content stream. Suchtransmission information can include an indication whether the capturedvideo content stream is being transmitted over the cellular network 126or a satellite network 128. For example, the captured video contentstream may have been transmitted over the satellite network 128 whilethe mobile device 120 was in the previous cellular network with theradio tower 122. Therefore, the base station controller 204 directs (oris provided instructions from a network device to direct) the videocontent stream received from mobile device 120 at the radio tower 206 tothe satellite transceiver 208 to be sent over the satellite network 128.

FIG. 3 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a system 300 for providingmultiple video content streams over different communication networks. Inone or more embodiments, radio tower 122 at a base station can receivemultiple video content streams of an event from multiple mobile devices112, 116, 120. Further, mobile devices 136, 142 are accessing themultiple video content streams. In some embodiments, existing voice anddata traffic can traverse the cellular network 126 when the multiplevideo content streams are received by radio tower 122. A network device302 can detect the capacity of the cellular network 126 given theexisting voice and data traffic traversing it. Further, the networkdevice 302 can determine that providing the multiple video contentstreams over the cellular network 126 can overload the cellular network126. Such an overloaded cellular network 126 can diminish quality of thevideo to the point that the video content is unviewable (e.g.pixelization of portions of images resolution quality is too low toenjoy the video content stream, etc.), and/or there may be significantdelays in providing the video content streams.

In one or more embodiments, the network device 302 can exchangemessages, signals, or other communications with network device 304communicatively coupled to the satellite transceiver 124. The networkdevice 304 can detect the capacity of satellite network 128 givenexisting voice and data traffic traversing it and detect whethertransmitting the multiple video content streams would overload thesatellite network 128 similar to network device 302 detecting thecapacity of cellular network 126.

In one or more embodiments, network device 306 is communicativelycoupled to the cellular network 126 and radio tower 130. Further, radiotower 130 is communicatively coupled to multiple mobile devices. Also,the network device 306 can identify the mobile devices communicativelycoupled to radio tower 130. Mobile device 136, 142 can provideidentification information to the radio tower 130 that is relayed tonetwork device 306. In addition, network device 306 can process theidentification of the mobile devices 136, 142 to determine the number ofmobile devices communicatively coupled to radio tower 130. Further,network device 306 exchanges messages, signals, or other communicationswith network device 308 communicatively coupled to the satellitetransceiver 132. In addition, network device 302 can exchange messages,signals, or other communications with the network device 306 thatincludes identification information (or the number of) for the endmobile devices accessing each of the multiple video content streams.Also, the network device 306 can detect and identify whether some of theend mobile devices accessing the multiple video content streams arecoupled to the edge wireless communication network attached to the radiotower 130 according to the identification information for the end mobiledevices. If so, then the network device 306 can send a message or signalto network device 302 indicating that some of the end mobile devices arecoupled to its edge wireless communication network and that networkdevice 306 is communicatively coupled to satellite network 128.

In one or more embodiments, in response to receiving such a message orsignal, network device 302 identifies that these end mobile devices area portion of mobile devices coupled to the edge wireless communicationnetwork attached to radio tower 130. Thus, the network device 302 sendsthe multiple video content streams for the portion of identified endmobile devices over the satellite network 128. Such a course of actionprevents the network device 302 from overloading the cellular network126 with all the multiple video content streams causing diminished videocontent quality or transmission delays. Further, the network device 302can transmit the multiple video content streams to a remaining portionof end mobile device over the cellular network 126.

In one or more embodiments, the network device 308 receives the multiplevideo content steams from the satellite transceiver 132 over thesatellite network 128. Further, network device 308 transmits themultiple video content streams to the radio tower 130 via network device306 to be sent to end mobile devices 136, 142.

FIG. 4A depicts an illustrative embodiment of system 400 for providingmultiple video content streams over different communication networks. Inone or more embodiments, a network device 302 can receive a videocontent streams 410, from a source mobile device 422 that is to be sentto multiple end mobile devices 416, 418, 420. Further, network device302 can be coupled to cellular network 126. Under a unicast protocol,responsive to receiving a request to access the video content stream 410from each of the multiple end mobile devices 416, 418, 420, the networkdevice 302 sends three copies 402, 404, 406 over the cellular network126 to network device 306. Further, network device 306 routes each videocontent stream 402, 404, 406 to end mobile devices 416, 418, 420.However, delivering video content stream 410 under a unicast protocolcan generate copies 402, 404, 406 of the same video content stream 410,thereby creating traffic congestion in the cellular network 126.

Referring to FIG. 4B, in one or more embodiments, network device 302 candetermine that the end mobile devices 416, 418, 420 are communicativelycoupled to network device 306. That is, network device 306 can exchangemessages or signals to network device 302 that end mobile devices 416,418, 420 are communicatively coupled to network device 306.

In one or more embodiments, the network device 302 can detect thecapacity of the cellular network 126 given existing voice and datatraffic traversing it. If adding the multiple video content streams 402,404, 406 would overload the cellular network, thereby diminishing thequality of the multiple video content streams and/or adding significantdelays in transmitting the multiple video content streams to end mobiledevices 416, 418, 420, then the network device 302 can send one videocontent stream 410 according to a multicast protocol. Thus, the networkdevice 302 sends one copy 408 of video content stream 410 acrosscellular network 126 according to a multicast protocol, thereby addingsignificantly less traffic to cellular network 126 than according to aunicast protocol. Further, responsive to receiving the video contentstream 408 under the multicast protocol, network device 306 sends copies402, 404, 406 of the video content stream 408 to each of the end mobiledevices 416, 418, 420.

Although video content stream 408 is delivered over a cellular network126 according to a multicast protocol, in other embodiments, videocontent stream 408 can be delivered over other types of networks,including a satellite network 128, according to a multicast protocol.

FIG. 5 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a method 500 used bysystems 100, 200, 300, 400 for providing multiple video content streamsover different communication networks. At a step 502, the method 500 caninclude a network device receiving a video content stream from each ofmultiple source mobile devices resulting in multiple video contentstreams. Further, at step 504, the method 500 can include the networkdevice identifying an end mobile device for each of the multiple videocontent streams resulting in multiple end mobile devices. Additionally,at a step 505, the method 500 can also include the network deviceidentifying that the multiple video content streams pertain to a sameevent. At a step 506, the method 500 can also include the network devicedetermining a portion of the multiple end mobile devices arecommunicatively coupled to a first wireless communication network and toa second wireless communication network. The first wirelesscommunication network can be, or a portion of, a cellular network suchas an edge cellular network. The second wireless communication networkcan be a satellite network. Further, at a step 508, the method 500 caninclude the network device detecting a capacity of one of the firstwireless communication network or the second wireless communicationnetwork. For example, the network device can be configured to detect thecapacity of either the cellular network or the satellite network.

In addition, at a step 510, the method can include the network devicedetermining that the capacity of the first wireless communicationnetwork is above a predetermined threshold. The predetermined thresholdcan be configured by network operations personnel. Further, thepredetermined threshold can be determined by automatically based onhistorical traffic flow on the first wireless communication network. Forexample, during the evening between 4 pm-6 pm every weeknight, thecellular network may have a high traffic flow due to commuters on publictransportation routes in a metropolitan area accessing data over thecellular network. Thus, the predetermined threshold can take intoaccount the time of day and historical trends in traffic flow tocalculate the predetermined threshold. Another example can be that thenetwork device can communicate with other network devices to understandthe number of active mobile devices on the cellular network and basedaverage data consumption for a mobile device, calculate thepredetermined threshold.

At a step 518, the method 500 can include the network devicetransmitting a first portion of the multiple video content streamsacross the first wireless communication network and transmitting asecond portion of the multiple video content streams across the secondwireless communication network responsive to determining that thecapacity of the first wireless communication network is above apredetermined threshold. This allows for the first wirelesscommunication network not be overloaded by the multiple video contentstreams, thereby diminishing the quality of the video content streams orcausing significant delays in transmitting the video content streams tothe end mobile devices.

At a step 512, the method 500 can include network device identifying afirst location of the first wireless communication network (e.g.cellular network), or a portion thereof, and a second location of thesecond wireless communication network (e.g. satellite network), or aportion thereof. For example, if the cellular network is along publictransportation bus or train route, then the network device can transmita portion of the multiple video content stream over the cellular networkand a remaining portion over the satellite network. The network devicecan be configured for taking into account of the location of either thefirst wireless communication network or the second wirelesscommunication network because, network operators may anticipate moretraffic over the cellular network in proximity to public transportationroutes.

At a step 512, the method 500 can include the network device identifyinga predicted traffic pattern on the first wireless communication networkbased on the multiple video content streams pertaining to the same eventand that the portion of the multiple end mobile devices arecommunicatively coupled to the first wireless communication network. Forexample, the network device may be given information from other networkdevices that the portion of end mobile devices are near a collegecampus. Further, historical data indicates that end mobile devicescoupled to wireless networks near college campus access video contentstream of events of the same type as the related to the received videocontent streams. In addition, the network device can be configured,automatically or manually by network personnel, to identify thepredicted traffic pattern on the first wireless communication networkbased on the event type and the location of the portion of the endmobile devices. The predicted traffic pattern can indicate that if themultiple video content streams are transmitted over the first wirelesscommunication network, then the first wireless communication network(e.g. cellular network) may be overloaded causing either diminishedquality of, or significant delays in delivery of the video contentstreams.

At a step 516, the method 500 can also include the network deviceidentifying a time of day. Based on the time of day, the network devicecan transmit a portion of the multiple video content stream over thecellular network and a remaining portion over the satellite network. Forexample, a network operator may anticipate that the cellular networkmore traffic over the cellular network during rush hour, commuter times(e.g. 7 am-9 am and 4 pm-6 pm) because more people are commuting onpublic transportation and such commuters access data while riding publictransportation.

At a step 514, the method 500 can include the network device applying adigital right security mechanism to each video content stream of thefirst portion of the multiple video content streams over the firstwireless communication network (e.g. cellular network) and/or applyingthe digital right security mechanism to each video content stream of thesecond portion of the multiple video content streams over the secondwireless communication network (e.g. satellite network). For example,musicians 104, 106, 108 may allow users 110, 114, 118 to capture videocontent of their concert 102 and distribute the video content steams toother end mobile devices 136, 142. However, the musicians 104, 106, 108may have an agreement with the network operator of the mobile devices112, 116, 120, 136, 142 that such video content streams must be appliedwith digital right security mechanisms (password protection, time tolive, encryption, biometric protection etc.), when delivered overcommunication networks 126, 128. In some embodiments, the network devicecan apply the digital right security mechanism. In other embodiments,the source mobile devices 112, 116, 120 can apply the digital rightsecurity mechanism.

At step 520, the method 500 can include the network device detectingthat a source mobile device is moving to a new cellular site duringtransmission of a video content stream. The network device can beprovided with information that the source mobile device is moving from abase station controller of a current cellular site to a new cellularsite. Further, the network device has directed (a base stationcontroller or some other network device) the transmission of the videocontent stream on either the first wireless communication network (e.g.cellular network) or the second wireless communication network (e.g.satellite network). Further, at a step 522, method 500 can include thenetwork device directs handing over control of the transmission of thefirst video content stream by the source mobile device to a base stationcontroller of the new cellular site. In addition, at a step 524, themethod 500 can include the network device providing the base stationcontroller of the new cellular site with transmission informationregarding the video content stream. The transmission information canindicate whether the first video content stream was being transmittedover either the first wireless communication network or over the secondwireless communication network. The transmission also indicates ordirects the base station controller of the new cellular site to continuetransmitting the video content stream over either the first wirelesscommunication network or the second wireless communication network.

In some embodiments, the term network device may be a collection ofseparate physical devices that when combined perform certain networkfunctions. For example, the base station controller 150 and networkdevice 302 can be combined in one network device or the network devicecan refer to the collection of separate physical devices includingnetwork device 302 and base station controller 150.

While for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the respectiveprocesses are shown and described as a series of blocks in FIG. 5, it isto be understood and appreciated that the claimed subject matter is notlimited by the order of the blocks, as some blocks may occur indifferent orders and/or concurrently with other blocks from what isdepicted and described herein. Moreover, not all illustrated blocks maybe required to implement the methods described herein.

FIG. 6 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a first communicationsystem 600 for delivering media content. The communication system 400can represent an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) media system.Communication system 600 can be overlaid or operably coupled with system100, 200, 300, 400, 401 of FIGS. 1-3 and FIGS. 4A-4B as anotherrepresentative embodiment of communication system 600. For instance, oneor more devices illustrated in the communication system 600 of FIG. 6can receive video content streams from multiple source mobile devicesand identify that the video content streams pertain to a same event.Further, the devices can identify end mobile devices for the videocontent streams and determine a portion of the end mobile devices arecoupled to one communication network and another communication network.In addition, the devices can identify a predicted traffic pattern on thefirst communication network based on the multiple video content streamspertaining to the same event and that the portion of the multiple endmobile devices are communicatively coupled to the first communicationnetwork. Also the device can transmit a portion of the video contentstreams across the first communication network and transmit anotherportion of the video content streams across the second communicationnetwork according to the predicted traffic pattern.

The IPTV media system can include a super head-end office (SHO) 610 withat least one super headend office server (SHS) 611 which receives mediacontent from satellite and/or terrestrial communication systems. In thepresent context, media content can represent, for example, audiocontent, moving image content such as 2D or 3D videos, video games,virtual reality content, still image content, and combinations thereof.The SHS server 611 can forward packets associated with the media contentto one or more video head-end servers (VHS) 614 via a network of videohead-end offices (VHO) 612 according to a multicast communicationprotocol.

The VHS 614 can distribute multimedia broadcast content via an accessnetwork 618 to commercial and/or residential buildings 602 housing agateway 604 (such as a residential or commercial gateway). The accessnetwork 618 can represent a group of digital subscriber line accessmultiplexers (DSLAMs) located in a central office or a service areainterface that provide broadband services over fiber optical links orcopper twisted pairs 619 to buildings 602. The gateway 604 can usecommunication technology to distribute broadcast signals to mediaprocessors 606 such as Set-Top Boxes (STBs) which in turn presentbroadcast channels to media devices 608 such as computers or televisionsets managed in some instances by a media controller 607 (such as aninfrared or RF remote controller).

The gateway 604, the media processors 606, and media devices 608 canutilize tethered communication technologies (such as coaxial, powerlineor phone line wiring) or can operate over a wireless access protocolsuch as Wireless Fidelity (WiFi), Bluetooth®, Zigbee®, or other presentor next generation local or personal area wireless network technologies.By way of these interfaces, unicast communications can also be invokedbetween the media processors 606 and subsystems of the IPTV media systemfor services such as video-on-demand (VoD), browsing an electronicprogramming guide (EPG), or other infrastructure services.

A satellite broadcast television system 629 can be used in the mediasystem of FIG. 6. The satellite broadcast television system can beoverlaid, operably coupled with, or replace the IPTV system as anotherrepresentative embodiment of communication system 600. In thisembodiment, signals transmitted by a satellite 615 that include mediacontent can be received by a satellite dish receiver 631 coupled to thebuilding 602. Modulated signals received by the satellite dish receiver631 can be transferred to the media processors 606 for demodulating,decoding, encoding, and/or distributing broadcast channels to the mediadevices 608. The media processors 606 can be equipped with a broadbandport to an Internet Service Provider (ISP) network 632 to enableinteractive services such as VoD and EPG as described above.

In yet another embodiment, an analog or digital cable broadcastdistribution system such as cable TV system 633 can be overlaid,operably coupled with, or replace the IPTV system and/or the satelliteTV system as another representative embodiment of communication system600. In this embodiment, the cable TV system 633 can also provideInternet, telephony, and interactive media services. System 600 enablesvarious types of interactive television and/or services including IPTV,cable and/or satellite.

The subject disclosure can apply to other present or next generationover-the-air and/or landline media content services system.

Some of the network elements of the IPTV media system can be coupled toone or more computing devices 630, a portion of which can operate as aweb server for providing web portal services over the ISP network 632 towireline media devices 608 or wireless communication devices 616.

Communication system 600 can also provide for all or a portion of thecomputing devices 630 to function as a network device (herein referredto as the network device 630) as described in FIGS. 1-3, FIGS. 4A-4B,and, FIG. 5. The network device 630 can use computing and communicationtechnology to perform function 662, which can include among otherthings, the techniques described by method 500 of FIG. 5 for deliveringmultiple video content streams over different communication networks.For instance, function 662 of network device 630 can be similar to thefunctions described for network devices of FIGS. 1-3 and FIGS. 4A-4B inaccordance with method 500 in FIG. 5. The media processors 606 andwireless communication devices 616 can be provisioned with softwarefunctions 664 and 666, respectively, to utilize the services of networkdevice 630. For instance, functions 664 and 666 of media processors 606and wireless communication devices 616 can be similar to the functionsdescribed for the communication devices 112, 116, 120, 136, 142 of FIG.1 in accordance with method 500.

Multiple forms of media services can be offered to media devices overlandline technologies such as those described above. Additionally, mediaservices can be offered to media devices by way of a wireless accessbase station 617 operating according to common wireless access protocolssuch as Global System for Mobile or GSM, Code Division Multiple Accessor CDMA, Time Division Multiple Access or TDMA, Universal MobileTelecommunications or UMTS, World interoperability for Microwave orWiMAX, Software Defined Radio or SDR, Long Term Evolution or LTE, and soon. Other present and next generation wide area wireless access networktechnologies can be used in one or more embodiments of the subjectdisclosure.

FIG. 7 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a web portal 702 of acommunication system 700. Communication system 700 can be overlaid oroperably coupled with systems 100, 200, 300, 400, 401 of FIGS. 1-3 andFIGS. 4A-4B, and/or communication system 60 as another representativeembodiment of systems 100, 200, 300, 400, 401 of FIGS. 1-3, FIGS. 4A-4B,and/or communication system 600. The web portal 702 can be used formanaging services of systems 100, 200, 300, 400, 401 of FIGS. 1-3, FIGS.4A-4B and communication system 600. A web page of the web portal 702 canbe accessed by a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) with an Internet browserusing an Internet-capable communication device such as those describedin FIGS. 1-3, FIGS. 4A-4B and FIG. 6. The web portal 702 can beconfigured, for example, to access a media processor 606 and servicesmanaged thereby such as a Digital Video Recorder (DVR), a Video onDemand (VoD) catalog, an Electronic Programming Guide (EPG), or apersonal catalog (such as personal videos, pictures, audio recordings,etc.) stored at the media processor 606. The web portal 702 can also beused for provisioning IMS services described earlier, provisioningInternet services, provisioning cellular phone services, and so on.

The web portal 702 can further be utilized to manage and provisionsoftware applications 662-666 to adapt these applications as may bedesired by subscribers and/or service providers of systems 100, 200,300, 400, 401 of FIGS. 1-3, FIGS. 4A-4B and communication system 600.For instance, users of the services provided by network devices 302-308,630 can log into their on-line accounts and provision the networkdevices 302-308 or network device 630 to deliver one or more videocontent streams to an end mobile device of an upcoming event (e.g.concert, sports game, etc.), and so on. Service providers can log ontoan administrator account to provision, monitor and/or maintain thesystems 100, 200, 300, 400, 401 of FIGS. 1-3, and FIGS. 4A-4B or networkdevice 630. This can include configuring parameters for transmitting aportion of multiple video content steams over different communicationnetworks (as opposed to one communication network). These parameters caninclude the predetermined threshold of the capacity of either the firstwireless communication network or a second wireless communicationnetwork as well as time of day and the location of either the firstwireless communication network or the second wireless communicationnetwork.

FIG. 8 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication device 800.Communication device 800 can serve in whole or in part as anillustrative embodiment of the devices depicted in FIGS. 1-3, FIGS.4A-4B, and FIG. 6 and can be configured to perform portions of method500 of FIG. 5.

Communication device 800 can comprise a wireline and/or wirelesstransceiver 802 (herein transceiver 802), a user interface (UI) 804, apower supply 814, a location receiver 816, a motion sensor 818, anorientation sensor 820, and a controller 806 for managing operationsthereof. The transceiver 802 can support short-range or long-rangewireless access technologies such as Bluetooth®, ZigBee®, WiFi, DECT, orcellular communication technologies, just to mention a few (Bluetooth®and ZigBee® are trademarks registered by the Bluetooth® Special InterestGroup and the ZigBee® Alliance, respectively). Cellular technologies caninclude, for example, CDMA-1X, UMTS/HSDPA, GSM/GPRS, TDMA/EDGE, EV/DO,WiMAX, SDR, LTE, as well as other next generation wireless communicationtechnologies as they arise. The transceiver 802 can also be adapted tosupport circuit-switched wireline access technologies (such as PSTN),packet-switched wireline access technologies (such as TCP/IP, VoIP,etc.), and combinations thereof.

The UI 804 can include a depressible or touch-sensitive keypad 808 witha navigation mechanism such as a roller ball, a joystick, a mouse, or anavigation disk for manipulating operations of the communication device800. The keypad 808 can be an integral part of a housing assembly of thecommunication device 800 or an independent device operably coupledthereto by a tethered wireline interface (such as a USB cable) or awireless interface supporting for example Bluetooth®. The keypad 808 canrepresent a numeric keypad commonly used by phones, and/or a QWERTYkeypad with alphanumeric keys. The UI 804 can further include a display810 such as monochrome or color LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), OLED(Organic Light Emitting Diode) or other suitable display technology forconveying images to an end user of the communication device 800. In anembodiment where the display 810 is touch-sensitive, a portion or all ofthe keypad 808 can be presented by way of the display 810 withnavigation features.

The display 810 can use touch screen technology to also serve as a userinterface for detecting user input. As a touch screen display, thecommunication device 800 can be adapted to present a user interface withgraphical user interface (GUI) elements that can be selected by a userwith a touch of a finger. The touch screen display 810 can be equippedwith capacitive, resistive or other forms of sensing technology todetect how much surface area of a user's finger has been placed on aportion of the touch screen display. This sensing information can beused to control the manipulation of the GUI elements or other functionsof the user interface. The display 810 can be an integral part of thehousing assembly of the communication device 800 or an independentdevice communicatively coupled thereto by a tethered wireline interface(such as a cable) or a wireless interface.

The UI 804 can also include an audio system 812 that utilizes audiotechnology for conveying low volume audio (such as audio heard inproximity of a human ear) and high volume audio (such as speakerphonefor hands free operation). The audio system 812 can further include amicrophone for receiving audible signals of an end user. The audiosystem 812 can also be used for voice recognition applications. The UI804 can further include an image sensor 813 such as a charged coupleddevice (CCD) camera for capturing still or moving images.

The power supply 814 can utilize common power management technologiessuch as replaceable and rechargeable batteries, supply regulationtechnologies, and/or charging system technologies for supplying energyto the components of the communication device 800 to facilitatelong-range or short-range portable applications. Alternatively, or incombination, the charging system can utilize external power sources suchas DC power supplied over a physical interface such as a USB port orother suitable tethering technologies.

The location receiver 816 can utilize location technology such as aglobal positioning system (GPS) receiver capable of assisted GPS foridentifying a location of the communication device 800 based on signalsgenerated by a constellation of GPS satellites, which can be used forfacilitating location services such as navigation. The motion sensor 818can utilize motion sensing technology such as an accelerometer, agyroscope, or other suitable motion sensing technology to detect motionof the communication device 800 in three-dimensional space. Theorientation sensor 820 can utilize orientation sensing technology suchas a magnetometer to detect the orientation of the communication device800 (north, south, west, and east, as well as combined orientations indegrees, minutes, or other suitable orientation metrics).

The communication device 800 can use the transceiver 802 to alsodetermine a proximity to a cellular, WiFi, Bluetooth®, or other wirelessaccess points by sensing techniques such as utilizing a received signalstrength indicator (RSSI) and/or signal time of arrival (TOA) or time offlight (TOF) measurements. The controller 806 can utilize computingtechnologies such as a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP),programmable gate arrays, application specific integrated circuits,and/or a video processor with associated storage memory such as Flash,ROM, RAM, SRAM, DRAM or other storage technologies for executingcomputer instructions, controlling, and processing data supplied by theaforementioned components of the communication device 800.

Other components not shown in FIG. 8 can be used in one or moreembodiments of the subject disclosure. For instance, the communicationdevice 800 can include a reset button (not shown). The reset button canbe used to reset the controller 806 of the communication device 800. Inyet another embodiment, the communication device 800 can also include afactory default setting button positioned, for example, below a smallhole in a housing assembly of the communication device 800 to force thecommunication device 800 to re-establish factory settings. In thisembodiment, a user can use a protruding object such as a pen or paperclip tip to reach into the hole and depress the default setting button.The communication device 800 can also include a slot for adding orremoving an identity module such as a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM)card. SIM cards can be used for identifying subscriber services,executing programs, storing subscriber data, and so forth.

The communication device 800 as described herein can operate with moreor less of the circuit components shown in FIG. 8. These variantembodiments can be used in one or more embodiments of the subjectdisclosure.

The communication device 800 can be adapted to perform the functions ofmobile devices 112, 116, 120, radio towers 122, 130, satellitetransceivers 124, 132, mobile devices 136, 142, base station controllers150, 152, 204, network devices 302, 304, 306, 308, mobile devices 416,418, 420, 422, the media processor 606, the media devices 608, or theportable communication devices 616 of FIG. 6. It will be appreciatedthat the communication device 800 can also represent other devices thatcan operate in systems 100, 200, 300, 400, 401 of FIGS. 1-3, FIGS.4A-4B, communication system 600 of FIG. 6 such as a gaming console and amedia player. In addition, the controller 806 can be adapted in variousembodiments to perform the functions 662-666.

Upon reviewing the aforementioned embodiments, it would be evident to anartisan with ordinary skill in the art that said embodiments can bemodified, reduced, or enhanced without departing from the scope of theclaims described below. For example, a person of ordinary skill in theart would understand that portions of or entire embodiments can becombined with portions of or entire other embodiments. Other embodimentscan be used in the subject disclosure.

It should be understood that devices described in the exemplaryembodiments can be in communication with each other via various wirelessand/or wired methodologies. The methodologies can be links that aredescribed as coupled, connected and so forth, which can includeunidirectional and/or bidirectional communication over wireless pathsand/or wired paths that utilize one or more of various protocols ormethodologies, where the coupling and/or connection can be direct (e.g.,no intervening processing device) and/or indirect (e.g., an intermediaryprocessing device such as a router).

FIG. 9 depicts an exemplary diagrammatic representation of a machine inthe form of a computer system 900 within which a set of instructions,when executed, may cause the machine to perform any one or more of themethods described above. One or more instances of the machine canoperate, for example, as the network device 630, the media processor606, mobile devices 112, 116, 120, radio towers 122, 130, satellitetransceivers 124, 132, mobile devices 136, 142, base station controllers150, 152, 204, network devices 302, 304, 306, 308, mobile devices 416,418, 420, 422 and other devices of FIGS. 1-3, FIGS. 4A-4B, and FIGS.5-8. In some embodiments, the machine may be connected (e.g., using anetwork 926) to other machines. In a networked deployment, the machinemay operate in the capacity of a server or a client user machine in aserver-client user network environment, or as a peer machine in apeer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment.

The machine may comprise a server computer, a client user computer, apersonal computer (PC), a tablet, a smart phone, a laptop computer, adesktop computer, a control system, a network router, switch or bridge,or any machine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential orotherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine. It will beunderstood that a communication device of the subject disclosureincludes broadly any electronic device that provides voice, video ordata communication. Further, while a single machine is illustrated, theterm “machine” shall also be taken to include any collection of machinesthat individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) ofinstructions to perform any one or more of the methods discussed herein.

The computer system 900 may include a processor (or controller) 902(e.g., a central processing unit (CPU)), a graphics processing unit(GPU, or both), a main memory 904 and a static memory 906, whichcommunicate with each other via a bus 908. The computer system 900 mayfurther include a display unit 910 (e.g., a liquid crystal display(LCD), a flat panel, or a solid state display). The computer system 900may include an input device 912 (e.g., a keyboard), a cursor controldevice 914 (e.g., a mouse), a disk drive unit 916, a signal generationdevice 918 (e.g., a speaker or remote control) and a network interfacedevice 920. In distributed environments, the embodiments described inthe subject disclosure can be adapted to utilize multiple display units910 controlled by two or more computer systems 900. In thisconfiguration, presentations described by the subject disclosure may inpart be shown in a first of the display units 910, while the remainingportion is presented in a second of the display units 910.

The disk drive unit 916 may include a tangible computer-readable storagemedium 922 on which is stored one or more sets of instructions (e.g.,software 924) embodying any one or more of the methods or functionsdescribed herein, including those methods illustrated above. Theinstructions 924 may also reside, completely or at least partially,within the main memory 904, the static memory 906, and/or within theprocessor 902 during execution thereof by the computer system 900. Themain memory 904 and the processor 902 also may constitute tangiblecomputer-readable storage media.

Dedicated hardware implementations including, but not limited to,application specific integrated circuits, programmable logic arrays andother hardware devices can likewise be constructed to implement themethods described herein. Application specific integrated circuits andprogrammable logic array can use downloadable instructions for executingstate machines and/or circuit configurations to implement embodiments ofthe subject disclosure. Applications that may include the apparatus andsystems of various embodiments broadly include a variety of electronicand computer systems. Some embodiments implement functions in two ormore specific interconnected hardware modules or devices with relatedcontrol and data signals communicated between and through the modules,or as portions of an application-specific integrated circuit. Thus, theexample system is applicable to software, firmware, and hardwareimplementations.

In accordance with various embodiments of the subject disclosure, theoperations or methods described herein are intended for operation assoftware programs or instructions running on or executed by a computerprocessor or other computing device, and which may include other formsof instructions manifested as a state machine implemented with logiccomponents in an application specific integrated circuit or fieldprogrammable gate array. Furthermore, software implementations (e.g.,software programs, instructions, etc.) including, but not limited to,distributed processing or component/object distributed processing,parallel processing, or virtual machine processing can also beconstructed to implement the methods described herein. Distributedprocessing environments can include multiple processors in a singlemachine, single processors in multiple machines, and/or multipleprocessors in multiple machines. It is further noted that a computingdevice such as a processor, a controller, a state machine or othersuitable device for executing instructions to perform operations ormethods may perform such operations directly or indirectly by way of oneor more intermediate devices directed by the computing device.

While the tangible computer-readable storage medium 922 is shown in anexample embodiment to be a single medium, the term “tangiblecomputer-readable storage medium” should be taken to include a singlemedium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database,and/or associated caches and servers) that store the one or more sets ofinstructions. The term “tangible computer-readable storage medium” shallalso be taken to include any non-transitory medium that is capable ofstoring or encoding a set of instructions for execution by the machineand that cause the machine to perform any one or more of the methods ofthe subject disclosure. The term “non-transitory” as in a non-transitorycomputer-readable storage includes without limitation memories, drives,devices and anything tangible but not a signal per se.

The term “tangible computer-readable storage medium” shall accordinglybe taken to include, but not be limited to: solid-state memories such asa memory card or other package that houses one or more read-only(non-volatile) memories, random access memories, or other re-writable(volatile) memories, a magneto-optical or optical medium such as a diskor tape, or other tangible media which can be used to store information.Accordingly, the disclosure is considered to include any one or more ofa tangible computer-readable storage medium, as listed herein andincluding art-recognized equivalents and successor media, in which thesoftware implementations herein are stored.

Although the present specification describes components and functionsimplemented in the embodiments with reference to particular standardsand protocols, the disclosure is not limited to such standards andprotocols. Each of the standards for Internet and other packet switchednetwork transmission (e.g., TCP/IP, UDP/IP, HTML, HTTP) representexamples of the state of the art. Such standards are from time-to-timesuperseded by faster or more efficient equivalents having essentiallythe same functions. Wireless standards for device detection (e.g.,RFID), short-range communications (e.g., Bluetooth®, WiFi, Zigbee®), andlong-range communications (e.g., WiMAX, GSM, CDMA, LTE) can be used bycomputer system 900. In one or more embodiments, information regardinguse of services can be generated including services being accessed,media consumption history, user preferences, and so forth. Thisinformation can be obtained by various methods including user input,detecting types of communications (e.g., video content vs. audiocontent), analysis of content streams, and so forth. The generating,obtaining and/or monitoring of this information can be responsive to anauthorization provided by the user. In one or more embodiments, ananalysis of data can be subject to authorization from user(s) associatedwith the data, such as an opt-in, an opt-out, acknowledgementrequirements, notifications, selective authorization based on types ofdata, and so forth.

The illustrations of embodiments described herein are intended toprovide a general understanding of the structure of various embodiments,and they are not intended to serve as a complete description of all theelements and features of apparatus and systems that might make use ofthe structures described herein. Many other embodiments will be apparentto those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. Theexemplary embodiments can include combinations of features and/or stepsfrom multiple embodiments. Other embodiments may be utilized and derivedtherefrom, such that structural and logical substitutions and changesmay be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Figuresare also merely representational and may not be drawn to scale. Certainproportions thereof may be exaggerated, while others may be minimized.Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in anillustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and describedherein, it should be appreciated that any arrangement which achieves thesame or similar purpose may be substituted for the embodiments describedor shown by the subject disclosure. The subject disclosure is intendedto cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments.Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments notspecifically described herein, can be used in the subject disclosure.For instance, one or more features from one or more embodiments can becombined with one or more features of one or more other embodiments. Inone or more embodiments, features that are positively recited can alsobe negatively recited and excluded from the embodiment with or withoutreplacement by another structural and/or functional feature. The stepsor functions described with respect to the embodiments of the subjectdisclosure can be performed in any order. The steps or functionsdescribed with respect to the embodiments of the subject disclosure canbe performed alone or in combination with other steps or functions ofthe subject disclosure, as well as from other embodiments or from othersteps that have not been described in the subject disclosure. Further,more than or less than all of the features described with respect to anembodiment can also be utilized.

Less than all of the steps or functions described with respect to theexemplary processes or methods can also be performed in one or more ofthe exemplary embodiments. Further, the use of numerical terms todescribe a device, component, step or function, such as first, second,third, and so forth, is not intended to describe an order or functionunless expressly stated so. The use of the terms first, second, thirdand so forth, is generally to distinguish between devices, components,steps or functions unless expressly stated otherwise. Additionally, oneor more devices or components described with respect to the exemplaryembodiments can facilitate one or more functions, where the facilitating(e.g., facilitating access or facilitating establishing a connection)can include less than every step needed to perform the function or caninclude all of the steps needed to perform the function.

In one or more embodiments, a processor (which can include a controlleror circuit) has been described that performs various functions. Itshould be understood that the processor can be multiple processors,which can include distributed processors or parallel processors in asingle machine or multiple machines. The processor can be used insupporting a virtual processing environment. The virtual processingenvironment may support one or more virtual machines representingcomputers, servers, or other computing devices. In such virtualmachines, components such as microprocessors and storage devices may bevirtualized or logically represented. The processor can include a statemachine, application specific integrated circuit, and/or programmablegate array including a Field PGA. In one or more embodiments, when aprocessor executes instructions to perform “operations”, this caninclude the processor performing the operations directly and/orfacilitating, directing, or cooperating with another device or componentto perform the operations.

The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided with the understanding thatit will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of theclaims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can beseen that various features are grouped together in a single embodimentfor the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method ofdisclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that theclaimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited ineach claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subjectmatter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment.Thus the following claims are hereby incorporated into the DetailedDescription, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimedsubject matter.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device, comprising: a processing systemincluding a processor; and a memory that stores executable instructionsthat, when executed by the processing system, facilitate performance ofoperations, comprising: obtaining a plurality of video content streams;detecting a capacity of a first wireless communication network based onvoice and data traffic traversing the first wireless communicationnetwork; determining a threshold for the capacity according to alocation of the first wireless communication network and a time of day;and streaming a first portion of the plurality of video content streamsacross the first wireless communication network and streaming a secondportion of the plurality of video content streams across a secondwireless communication network responsive to determining that thecapacity of the first wireless communication network is above thethreshold.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the detecting of thecapacity of the first wireless communication network comprisesidentifying a number of active mobile devices on the first wirelesscommunication network.
 3. The device of claim 2, wherein the determiningof the threshold comprises determining the threshold according to thenumber of active mobile devices.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein thedetermining of the threshold comprises determining the thresholdaccording to an average data consumption for a mobile device.
 5. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the operations comprise receivinguser-generated input that is associated with the threshold, wherein thedetermining of the threshold comprises determining the thresholdaccording to the user-generated input.
 6. The device of claim 1, whereinthe operations comprise identifying historical traffic flow on the firstwireless communication network, wherein the determining of the thresholdcomprises determining the threshold according to the historical trafficflow.
 7. The device of claim 1, wherein the operations comprisereceiving traffic data regarding the first wireless communicationnetwork from a network device associated with the first wirelesscommunication network, wherein the determining of the thresholdcomprises determining the threshold according to the traffic data. 8.The device of claim 1, wherein the first wireless communication networkis a cellular network and the second wireless communication network is asatellite network.
 9. The device of claim 1, wherein each of theplurality of video content streams is a live video content stream of anevent.
 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the streaming of the firstportion of the plurality of video content streams comprises streamingthe first portion of the plurality of video content streams according toa multicast protocol.
 11. The device of claim 1, wherein the streamingof the second portion of the plurality of video content streamscomprises streaming the second portion of the plurality of video contentstreams according to a multicast protocol.
 12. The device of claim 1,wherein the operations comprise: detecting that a first source mobiledevice is moving to a new cellular site during transmission of a firstvideo content stream of the plurality of video content streams;transferring over control of the transmission of the first video contentstream by the first source mobile device to a controller of the newcellular site; and providing the controller of the new cellular sitewith transmission information regarding the first video content stream,wherein the transmission information indicates whether the first videocontent stream is transmitted over one of the first wirelesscommunication network or over the second wireless communication network.13. The device of claim 1, wherein the streaming of the first portion ofthe plurality of video content streams comprises applying a digitalright security mechanism to each video content stream of the firstportion of the plurality of video content streams and wherein thestreaming of the second portion of the plurality of video contentstreams comprises applying the digital right security mechanism to eachvideo content stream of the second portion of the plurality of videocontent streams.
 14. A non-transitory, machine-readable storage medium,comprising executable instructions that, when executed by a processingsystem including a processor, facilitate performance of operations,comprising: obtaining a plurality of video content streams; detecting acapacity of a first wireless communication network based on voice anddata traffic traversing the first wireless communication network;identifying historical traffic flow on the first wireless communicationnetwork; determining a threshold for the capacity according to thehistorical traffic flow; and streaming a first portion of the pluralityof video content streams across the first wireless communication networkand streaming a second portion of the plurality of video content streamsacross a second wireless communication network responsive to determiningthat the capacity of the first wireless communication network is abovethe threshold.
 15. The non-transitory, machine-readable storage mediumof claim 14, wherein the detecting of the capacity of the first wirelesscommunication network comprises identifying a number of active mobiledevices on the first wireless communication network.
 16. Thenon-transitory, machine-readable storage medium of claim 15, wherein thedetermining of the threshold comprises determining the thresholdaccording to the number of active mobile devices.
 17. Thenon-transitory, machine-readable storage medium of claim 14, wherein thedetermining of the threshold comprises determining the thresholdaccording to an average data consumption for a mobile device.
 18. Amethod, comprising: obtaining, by a processing system including aprocessor, a plurality of live video content streams; detecting, by theprocessing system, a capacity of a first wireless communication networkbased on voice and data traffic traversing the first wirelesscommunication network; receiving, by the processing system, traffic datafrom a network device associated with the first wireless communicationnetwork; determining, by the processing system, a threshold for thecapacity according to the traffic data; and streaming, by the processingsystem, a first portion of the plurality of live video content streamsacross the first wireless communication network and streaming, by theprocessing system, a second portion of the plurality of live videocontent streams across a second wireless communication networkresponsive to determining that the capacity of the first wirelesscommunication network is above the threshold.
 19. The method of claim18, wherein the determining of the threshold comprises determining, bythe processing system, the threshold according to a location of thefirst wireless communication network and a time of day.
 20. The methodof claim 18, comprising: detecting, by the processing system, that afirst source mobile device is moving to a new cellular site duringtransmission of a first live video content stream of the plurality oflive video content streams; transferring, by the processing system, overcontrol of the transmission of the first live video content stream bythe first source mobile device to a controller of the new cellular site;and providing, by the processing system, the controller of the newcellular site with transmission information regarding the first livevideo content stream, wherein the transmission information indicateswhether the first live video content stream is transmitted over one ofthe first wireless communication network or over the second wirelesscommunication network.